Alleging that the West Bengal Forest department is infringing upon the rights of fishermen by violating the Forest Rights Act in Sundarbans, social activist Medha Patkar today said tourists are being welcomed at the cost of fishermen.
"I want to remind Mamata Banerjee that fishermen are being subjected to injustice. We want to save the Sundarbans and the tiger as well, but we also have to take care of the fishermen community living there and dependent on Sundarbans. To bring tourism, you are not allowing fishermen to fish," Patkar told reporters here.
Urging the state government to protect the rights of fishing communities by removing restrictions on their livelihood, she demanded that a joint committee be formed to protect the communities and the forest.
Members of fishermen group 'Dakshin Banga Matsyajibi Forum' said the forest department has prohibited use of dry wood as fuel on fishing boats and carrying choppers and axes.
"We need these traditional weapons for self defence in a forest area. Atrocities against fishermen and honey collectors have increased," said Pradip Chatterjee of the fishermen's forum.
